DannyBoy21 Senior Member Joined: 28 Apr 2008 Posts: 19 Location: Los Angeles Expertise: Just starting
Posted Wed May 7, 2008, 6:49pm Subject: How much ground coffee per shot of espresso?
Unfortunately, I bought a used Gaggia Carezza that didn't come with its usual measuring spoon. So I'm not really sure how much ground coffee to use per shot. I think the measuring spoon is typically 7g. How can I measure this amount out with everyday measuring spoons?
Posted Thu May 8, 2008, 12:32am Subject: Re: How much ground coffee per shot of espresso?
Hi Danny, if you have some scales measure 7 or 14 grams depending on your basket and find a container that holds that amount and use that as your measure. You can then just use that container and fill it for your shots, or go to supplier and get a 7g scoop.
Posted Thu May 8, 2008, 9:15am Subject: Re: How much ground coffee per shot of espresso?
I would suggest not worrying about the mass of beans used. Volume is more critical. Grind into the portafilter basket until it is slightly overfilled, level off across the top of the basket with some sort of straightedge tool or even a finger, and tamp. Lock into the brewhead and remove. If the shower screen has a screw in the center there should be a very slight mark on the coffee. If there is no screw then put a nickel on the coffee and do thae same. The coin should be SLIGHTLY indented into the coffee at the most. if there is too much coffee, next time use your finger, bent, and level the coffee so the top of the coffee is SLIGHTLY concave before tamping. If there is not enough coffee, after leveling, tap the portafilter gently downwards on the counter and add a bit more coffee before tamping.
To accurately weigh coffee for dosing it should be done after grinding and weighed to the tenth of a gram, something that I have never bothered doing.
After a few months of practice you will gain a better sense of what works best. it takes practice and experience. If making good espresso was easy, Starbucks could do it. ;-)
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